EL BERRO IS A SERRANA VILLAGE SITUATED TO ABOUT AN ALTITUDE OF 600m JUST AT THE LIMIT BETWEEN THE MUNICIPALITIES OF ALHAMA AND MULA. IT HAS MORE THAN 180 INHABITANTS WHO ARE DEDICATED TO AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK AND TO TAKE CARE OF SMALL FAMILY BUSINESSES LIKE BAKERIES, A SMALL SUPERMARKET, TWO RESTAURANTS AND ACCOMMODATIONS DEDICATED RURAL TOURISM. THEIR ORIGINS AS A VILLAGE ARE RELATED AT THE END OF THE 18TH CENTURY, BUT THE AREA HAS ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE OF MORE THAN 7,000 YEARS OF HISTORY.
The route starts next to the campsite through the road that crosses the ravine of El Berro and ascends towards Sierra Espuña. Soon this road is abandoned to go forward and upwards to view the panoramic sights of El Berro and the Morrón de Alhama. The PR marks take us into the Sierra – through the paths of Agüica and Lomo. When you reach the road that leads to the area of the Perdiz and Casa Leiva, the slope becomes much kinder. Follow in that direction and continue along its left bank then take the old forest road that appears on the left. Under a leafy pine forest full of aromatics, two large ridge firewalls are crossed. After the second one, continue in an easterly direction through a narrow path under the wooded area to see the imposing walls of Leiva and the peppers of Alhama and Totana, in the distance. Now proceed through some of the old areas from the 19th century that have undergone reforestation.
| Title | Path of El Berro |
| Place | El Berro y valle de Leyva. |
| Municipality | Alhama de Murcia. |
| Start | Parking in front of the Sierra Espuña campsite. |
| End | Parking in front of the Sierra Espuña campsite. |
| Outstanding points | Sierra Espuña Regional Park; LIC & ZEPA zones; traditional vegetable garden; old anti-tuberculosis sanatarium; panoramic viewing areas including forest fauna; mediterranean forestry; history of the restoration of the hydrological forest. |
| Itinerary information | There are no drinking water points on this route. Take caution especially during the summer season, avoid dehydration and be aware of a fire risk; Both the start and end points provide accommodation for camping, a hostelry, two restaurants, bakeries and a small supermarket. |
| Guide services | ECOESPUÑA-LA HOJARASCA, S.L. Ecoturismo. Tel: 968 636 205, 608 301 115, 639 350 181 Email: info@sierraespuna.com |
| Type of features | Description |
| Historical | Remains of the Arabic civilisation. Church: Nª. Sra. de los Dolores. Anti-tuberculosis Sanatorium |
| Cultural/Ethnographic | El Berro, a centrally located small town at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. Fiestas patronales of El Berro, in honour of the Virgen de los Dolores – 2nd half of August. The Three Kings – tradition of more than 150 years – 6th of January. Festival of Cuadrillas y Auroros. Musical tradition of the Espuña and other towns – last Sunday of February. Gardens and dryland via traditional recuperation methods. |
| Environmental | Almost the entire route enjoys a protected natural space. Dense pine forest with numerous species of Mediterranean middle mountain scrub. Noticeable traces of the re -forestation of the late. nineteenth century. Covers the largest part of the expansive central mass. Interesting sedimentary geological outcrops and. geomorphological structures. Links to other approved trails. |
| Socio-economic resource | Agricultural, rural accommodation, shops & restaurants. |
| Hostelry/Refreshments | Bar restaurant – Sierra Espuña. Bar restaurant – La Parra. Bar camping – Sierra Espuña. |
| Accommodation | Hospedería Bajo el Cejo. Camping Sierra Espuña. Casa del Ser. |
| Other establishments | Comestibles Fina (supermarket). Traditional, sustainable bakery. Panadería de David (bakery) |
| Other activities | Guide to activities (BTT and Hiking). Ethnographic activities: A day with the Shepherd. Ecoespuña-La Hojarasca, S.L. |
This route begins in the denso pinar de Las Alquerías, fruit of the forestry hydrological restoration at the end of the xix century directed by the illustrious Ricardo Codorníu from Cartagena and other mountain engineers.
It is one of the most characteristic and surprising trails within protected landscape surrounding the barbecues of Gebas. The hidden wonders of Murcia is close and can be enjoyed by all.
Route PR-MU 78 constitutes one of the most agreeable and attractive visits to the deep pinares of the escarpadas hills of Perona and forest. It gradualy follows the layout of a forest track located in a large part of the route to about an altitude of 700m.
Pedro López boasts an altitude of 1,568m, the second highest summit of Sierra Espuña. The position of this route enables walkers to enjoy beautiful views of the valley. The magnificent 360º panoramic view ensures a treat of spectacular sunsets.
Asociación de empresarios turísticos de Sierra Espuña. Objetivos:
